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These rules govern how every C3 Esports match is played. Both teams are responsible for knowing these rules before the match begins. Ignorance of the rules is not a valid basis for a dispute.

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Game settings

All C3 Esports matches must use the following settings. No exceptions.
SettingRequired value
Game modeSoccar
ArenaDFH Stadium
Team size3v3
Match length5 minutes
OvertimeUnlimited golden goal (on)
Max scoreDisabled
MutatorsNone
Server regionUS-East or US-West (choose lowest ping for both teams)
Playing with incorrect settings (wrong arena, wrong team size, mutators enabled, etc.) invalidates the game. If you discover incorrect settings after starting a game, stop immediately, re-create the lobby with correct settings, and replay the game. Completing a game with wrong settings and then disputing it is not a valid strategy.

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Series format

PhaseFormat
Regular seasonBest-of-3 (BO3)
PlayoffsBest-of-5 (BO5)
Best-of-3: First team to win 2 games wins the series. Maximum 3 games. Best-of-5: First team to win 3 games wins the series. Maximum 5 games.
Division-specific format variations may be announced by staff for special events or invitational weeks. Check the Seasons page and Discord for any non-standard format announcements.

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Host duties (lobby creation)

The home team creates the private lobby. The home team is determined as follows:
  • In regular season: the team listed first on the match page (the “home” team) creates the lobby.
  • In playoffs: the higher-seeded team creates the lobby.
Lobby creation steps:
  1. Open Rocket League and navigate to Play → Private Match → Create Private Match.
  2. Set the lobby password and configure the game settings listed above.
  3. Share the lobby name and password with the opposing team via Discord.
  4. Ensure all 6 players (3 per team) are connected before starting.
Create a dedicated Discord server or use a direct message group with both teams’ managers to share lobby details quickly and avoid confusion.

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Lobby wait grace period

If the opposing team is not in the lobby and ready by 10 minutes after the scheduled match time, the waiting team may request a forfeit win. Process for a no-show after 10 minutes:
  1. Both players on the waiting team must be in the lobby (or visible and attempting to connect).
  2. Screenshot the lobby or Discord messages showing you were present and the time.
  3. Contact staff via Discord before leaving.
  4. Staff verify the situation and record the forfeit.
The 10-minute grace period begins at the scheduled match time, not when check-in closed. If your match is at 8:00 PM ET and the opponent is not ready by 8:10 PM ET, you may proceed with the no-show process.

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In-match rules

  • No coaching from the sideline — only the 3 players in the match may communicate during gameplay. No external players may give real-time tactical instructions over voice chat visible to the in-game players.
  • No match-fixing or intentional forfeiting — playing to lose deliberately is a Code of Conduct violation.
  • No account sharing — the player in the lobby must be the same person registered on the C3 Esports platform. See Anti-Smurfing Policy.
  • Disconnections — if a player disconnects, the game continues. If it is agreed by both teams that the disconnection significantly impacted the game, both managers must agree in writing (Discord) before a replay is requested. Otherwise the result stands.

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Series completion rules

Play all games until a winner is determined. Do not stop the series early or agree to a different number of games than required. If a BO3 series is tied 1-1, Game 3 must be played. If a BO5 series is tied 2-2, Game 5 must be played. You may not agree to call the series a draw.

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After the match

  • Manager submits the result within 2 hours. See Managing Match Results.
  • Replay files are uploaded within 2 hours. See Uploading Replays.
  • Opponent confirms within 24 hours or the result auto-confirms.
See Result Deadlines for the complete timeline.